Top 6 VPN alternatives in 2024: Are they worth it?

Looking for alternatives to VPNs? In this blog, we will delve into the world of VPN alternatives and present you with the five best options worth considering. We will evaluate their features, benefits, and potential drawbacks, helping you make an informed decision about whether these alternatives are worth it for your specific requirements.

1. SmartDNS

SmartDNS is a technology that allows users to bypass geo-restrictions and access region-specific content by redirecting their DNS (Domain Name System) queries. Unlike a VPN that routes all internet traffic through a remote server, Smart DNS only routes DNS requests related to specific websites or services. 

By doing so, SmartDNS enables users to unlock content from different regions without affecting their internet speed. It is commonly used for streaming services, allowing users to access a wider range of content that may be restricted to specific countries or regions.

Pros of SmartDNS

• Faster speeds: Given that SmartDNS does not reroute all your internet traffic through a server, it is capable of providing relatively faster speeds than traditional VPNs.

• Seamless compatibility: Smart DNS can be easily set up on a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices, without the need for additional software or apps.

• Instant access to region-specific content: By bypassing geo-restrictions, Smart DNS enables you to access region-specific content from streaming platforms and websites.

Cons of SmartDNS 

• Inadequate privacy and security: SmartDNS does not provide the same level of privacy and security as VPNs. Your IP address is still visible, and your online activities can be tracked by your ISP or other third parties.

• Ineffectiveness with some platforms: While SmartDNS works well with many streaming platforms, it may not be effective in bypassing geo-restrictions on certain websites or services that employ more sophisticated methods

• Limited functionality: SmartDNS primarily focuses on bypassing geo-restrictions and does not offer the same range of features as VPNs, such as encryption, obfuscation, and more.

2. Proxy Servers 

Proxy servers act as intermediaries between a user’s device and the internet. When you connect to a website through a proxy server, it forwards your request on your behalf, allowing you to access the website without revealing your own IP address. Proxy servers let you bypass internet restrictions, and cache content for faster access.

However, they may also introduce potential risks, such as unencrypted data transmission and the potential for malicious proxies that can intercept and manipulate your traffic. It is important to choose reputable and secure proxy servers to ensure a safe browsing experience.

Pros of Proxy Servers

• Better anonymity: Since proxy servers mask your IP address, they make it difficult to trace your online activities back to your original IP and provide a certain level of anonymity while browsing online.

• Content filtering functionality: Proxy servers can be configured to block or filter specific websites or content, allowing organizations to control access to certain resources and enforce acceptable use policies.

• Improved performance via caching: By caching frequently accessed content, proxy servers can improve browsing speed and reduce bandwidth usage, resulting in a faster and more efficient browsing experience.

Cons of Proxy Servers

• Limited capabilities: Some proxy servers may not support all internet protocols or applications, which can limit their usage in certain scenarios like accessing certain websites or using specific online services.

• Potential privacy concerns: While proxy servers can provide a certain level of anonymity, it is important to be cautious about the trustworthiness of the proxy provider, as they may still have access to user data and pose potential privacy risks.

• Reliability issues: The reliability of proxy servers can vary greatly from provider to provider. Unstable or unreliable proxy servers can impact your browsing experience and accessibility to websites.

3. Shadowsocks

Shadowsocks is a proxy protocol used to bypass internet censorship and provide access to blocked content. It establishes a connection between your device and a remote proxy server, allowing the user to route their online traffic through it.

While Shadowsocks does provide some level of encryption, it is mainly designed for circumventing censorship and improving connection speeds, rather than providing comprehensive data security and privacy.

Pros of Shadowsocks

• Bypasses censorship: Shadowsocks enables users to bypass internet censorship and restrictions imposed by governments and access blocked websites and services  by disguising traffic to look like HTTPS.

• Faster speeds: Shadowsocks is known for its ability to offer faster connection speeds compared to traditional VPNs. This is due to its optimized encryption process and selective traffic routing capabilities. 

• Flexible usage: Shadowsocks can be used on a broad range of devices and operating systems, including desktops, smartphones, and even routers. It provides flexibility and compatibility across various platforms.

Cons of Shadowsocks

• Limited encryption capabilities: The encryption used by Shadowsocks may not offer the same level of security as VPNs, as it focuses more on performance and bypassing censorship.

• Lack of anonymity: Shadowsocks does not provide the same level of anonymity as VPNs. Its main purpose is to bypass restrictions rather than masking your IP address and online identity.

5. Tor

Tor is a free and open-source browser designed to provide anonymous communication and protect users’ privacy online. It works by routing internet traffic through a volunteer network of servers called “nodes” or “relays.” This network is composed of thousands of nodes operated by volunteers around the world.

When you use Tor, your internet traffic is encrypted and passed through a series of these nodes, making it difficult for anyone to trace the origin of the communication or identify the user. Each node in the network only knows the previous and next nodes in the circuit, adding an extra layer of anonymity.

Pros of Tor

• Improved anonymity: Tor provides a high level of anonymity by routing your internet traffic through a series of encrypted nodes, making it difficult for anyone to trace your online activities back to your original IP address.

• Censorship circumvention: Tor allows users to bypass censorship and access websites or services that may be blocked or restricted in their region. This can be especially valuable for individuals living in countries with strict internet censorship.

• Access to hidden services: Tor enables access to hidden services, also known as the dark web, which hosts websites that are not accessible through regular search engines such as Google or Bing.

Cons of Tor

• Slower speeds: Due to the nature of routing internet traffic through multiple relays and encrypting it along the way, using Tor can result in slower browsing speeds compared to direct connections. 

• Limited access to certain websites: While Tor is designed to provide access to a wide range of websites and services, some websites may block or restrict access from Tor exit nodes. This can be due to security measures, concerns about abuse, or legal restrictions.

• Potential for malicious exit nodes: Tor operates through a network of volunteer-operated relays, including exit nodes that act as the final point before reaching the destination website. While Tor takes measures to prevent this, you could still encounter a malicious exit node that can intercept or manipulate your traffic.

6. Zero Trust Network Access

Unlike traditional network security models, ZTNA operates on the principle of “trust no one” and assumes that all network traffic, users, and devices are potentially untrusted. This approach ensures that every user and device must authenticate and be authorized before accessing any resources, regardless of their location or network environment. 

By implementing methods like granular access controls, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring, ZTNA helps protect against unauthorized access, reduce the attack surface, and enhance overall network security. If you are looking for a reliable and secure remote access solution, ZTNA is a great option.

Pros of Zero Trust Network Access

• Enhanced security: ZTNA offers a more secure approach to network access by enforcing strict identity verification and access controls. It helps protect against unauthorized access and reduces the risk of data breaches.

• Granular access control: ZTNA allows organizations to grant access on a need-to-know basis, providing fine-grained control over who can access specific resources or applications. This minimizes the attack surface and limits potential risks.

• Improved scalability: ZTNA supports dynamic scalability, making it easier to accommodate the changing needs of organizations. It enables secure access for remote workers, third-party vendors, and partners without compromising network security.

Cons of Zero Trust Network Access

• Implementation complexity: Deploying ZTNA requires careful planning and integration with existing network infrastructure. Organizations may need to invest time and resources to ensure a smooth transition and integration.

• Potential performance impact: ZTNA involves additional layers of security and authentication that users must adhere to, which can introduce latency and impact network performance. 

• Costly implementation: Implementing ZTNA often involves upfront costs for infrastructure upgrades, security solutions, and ongoing maintenance that businesses need to be ready for.

Frequently asked questions

What is safer than a VPN?

When it comes to online security and privacy, there is no one-size-fits-all solution that guarantees absolute safety. However, there are alternative tools and practices that can provide additional layers of protection in addition to or alongside a VPN like Tor and privacy-focused browsers.

Is Tor better than a VPN?

If your main concern is anonymity and accessing the dark web, Tor may be more suitable. However, if you prioritize a combination of privacy, security, speed, and versatility, a VPN is definitely a better option.

Is VPN safer than proxy?

Yes, VPNs are considered to be safer than proxies as they offer a higher level of security and privacy by encrypting your data and providing additional security features like obfuscation, a kill switch, and more.

The bottom line

At the end of the day, the best VPN alternative depends on your unique preferences and priorities. However, if you want a reliable and all-encompassing solution to your privacy, security, streaming, and remote access needs, VPNs remain a popular choice!